Arturo Rodríguez, who owns Tijuana’s La Caja Galería, said persuading U.S. collectors to visit has been difficult, as many are afraid to cross. “There is a high degree of production by artists in Tijuana, but the problem is that sales are low,” Rodriguez said.

The relationship with Tijuana “is an incredibly rich opportunity for collaboration and to enrich the lives of San Diegans,” said Hugh Davies, director of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, which has worked with the Tijuana Cultural Center for more than three decades. “Having a mayor who’s interested — and willing to cross the border and set an example that it’s safe and it’s fun and there’s a lot to do there — will help.”